JPH07311853A - Picture display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To quickly set plural parameters related to picture display by providing a means, which indicates input values of plural parameters inputted through an input means, and a display means which stores and displays recommended values of plural parameters. CONSTITUTION:Inputted coordinates are recognized by a CPU 8, and an address signal for read is generated in the CPU 8. A table 7 is accessed by this address signal, and the window level and the window width corresponding to coordinates in a map picture inputted by a coordinate input operation part 6 are read into the CPU 8. The CPU 8 assigns each pixel value or the picture in a memory 2 to a display gradation or a CRT 3 in accordance with the window level and the window width read out from the table 7. The picture of the assigned pixel is displayed on the CRT 3 through a display controller 4. An operator receives the guide of the map picture and sets the window level and the window width most suitable for the display picture.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image display device for displaying images, especially medical images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The CT value of a medical image such as a CT image is
It generally has a wide dynamic range of -1000 to +1000. C with such a wide dynamic range
The window function is a technique for expanding a relatively narrow range of CT values to be displayed among the T values to the gray scale of the display device for display. This will be specifically described. The display capability of the display device in gray scale is usually 64 gradations.
For example, when there is a tumor in soft tissue, the C
The T values are close. Therefore, -1000 to +10
If the CT value of 00 is displayed as it is in 64 gray scales, the tumor cannot be discriminated. At this time, this problem is solved by enlarging and displaying a narrow CT value range including CT values of soft tissues and tumors in a gray scale of 64 gradations. The CT value range corresponding to this gray scale is called the window width, and its median value is called the window level.

A conventional image display device mainly for displaying a radiogram is provided with two volume switches, one corresponding to a window level and the other corresponding to a window width. A user (mainly an image interpreting doctor) searches for an optimum window level and window width by repeating trial and error with two volume switches so that a diagnostic region can be properly identified by the difference in grayscale. Therefore, it takes a lot of time and effort to adjust the window level and the window width. There is a preset switch to reduce this trouble.
The preset switch is registered in advance with an optimum combination of the window level and the window width, and a plurality of preset switches are provided according to the type of site. But,
Since there is a limit to the number of preset switches and the optimum values of the window level and the window width differ for each image, manual adjustment is indispensable after designating the preset switches.

The conventional image display device also has the following problems. When reading one image to be read from a database that stores multiple medical images with various modalities and patient names, the search parameter is SQL (Structur).
ed ・ Query ・ Language) is used for "select images where patient name is MASAKAZU and
"where exam is US" has to be entered. Note that US means an ultrasonic image. In such a method of setting search parameters, there are mistakes in alphabet spelling and it takes time. As a technique for alleviating this problem, there is a search method using a hierarchically structured list.
When a patient name list is displayed as a hierarchy and a certain patient is selected, a modality list (also referred to as an examination list) is displayed as a second hierarchy, and when a certain modality is selected, the patient name is used as a search parameter together with this modality. It is sent to the database. However, this search method still has the problem that it takes time.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to address the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image display device capable of quickly setting a plurality of parameters relating to image display by a simple operation. is there. Another object is to provide an image display device capable of quickly setting two types of search parameters with a simple operation.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an image display apparatus for signal-processing and displaying an image according to a plurality of parameters relating to image display, and adjusting the plurality of parameters simultaneously and continuously by a single operation. And input means for displaying the input values of the plurality of parameters input via the input means, and display means for storing the recommended values of the plurality of parameters and displaying the recommended values. .

[0007]

According to the present invention, since a plurality of parameters can be adjusted simultaneously and continuously by a single operation, a plurality of parameters can be adjusted quickly by a simple operation. Further, since the recommended values for each of the plurality of parameters are displayed, the plurality of parameters can be adjusted easily and quickly.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the first embodiment.
First, a typical window width and window level are defined as parameters relating to image display.
The CT value of a medical image, for example, a CT image is generally -10.
It has a wide dynamic range of 00 to +1000.
A window function is a technique for expanding a relatively narrow range of CT values to be displayed among the CT values of such a wide dynamic range to a gray scale of a display device for display. This will be specifically described. The display capability of the display device in gray scale is usually 64 gradations. For example, when there is a tumor in a soft tissue, the CT values of both are close. Therefore, if the CT value of -1000 to +1000 is displayed as it is in the gray scale of 64 gradations, the tumor cannot be discriminated. At this time, the narrow CT value range including the CT values of the soft tissue and the tumor is enlarged and displayed in the gray scale of 64 gradations, and the brightness change of the soft tissue and the tumor becomes large, and this problem is solved. The CT value range corresponding to this gray scale is called the window width, and its median value is called the window level.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a bus that is used both for a control signal and an image signal. A first memory 2 is connected to the bus 1. In the first memory 2, an image represented by a first gradation range to be used for image interpretation supplied from an image database (not shown) or a modality (image capturing apparatus) via an input terminal (not shown), for example, X A CT image (tissue tomographic image) captured by a line computed tomography apparatus is stored. In each pixel that constitutes a CT image, the substance that makes up the human body, from the air to the bone, is C
Generally, the first gradation range based on the T value (0) is -1.
It is allocated between 2000 gradations of 000 to +1000.

A high definition CRT 3 as an image display device is connected to the bus 1 via a display controller 4. The CRT 3 is the second, which is narrower than the first gradation range.
The image in the first memory 2 is displayed in the gradation range (for example, 64 gradations).

A second memory 5 is connected to the bus 1. A map image is initially registered in the second memory 5. The map image is shown in FIG. The map image has a window level (WL) on the horizontal axis and a window width (WW) on the vertical axis within a two-dimensional region, and is a window level that is optimal for image interpretation of a site, such as a lung field or a mediastinum,
It is an image showing a recommended value or a recommended range of each parameter of the window width.

A coordinate input operation unit (two-dimensional slider) 6 as a two-dimensional coordinate input device is connected to the bus 1. An arbitrary position (XY coordinate) on the map image desired by the operator (mainly an image interpretation doctor) is input via the coordinate input operation unit 6. Two types of coordinate input operation units 6 are prepared, and either one is selectively used. Of course, only one type may be provided. One coordinate input operation unit 6 is a mouse or a trackball. In this case, the map image is superimposed on the screen image and the CRT 3
Is displayed in a partial area of. An example of a screen image is shown in FIG.
It shows in (b). A slider button (image) is displayed on the screen image. The slider button moves in the two-dimensional area following the movement of the coordinate input operation unit 6. Fine adjustment buttons for fine adjustment are displayed around the four slider buttons. When a certain fine adjustment button is designated by the cursor, the slider button is moved by a minute distance in the corresponding direction. The operator uses the mouse to move the slider button to a desired position in the map image, and specifies the position with the mouse button. As a result, arbitrary coordinates in the map image are input. In FIG. 2C, the change in pixel value is plotted along the horizontal axis and the change in luminance is plotted along the vertical axis. Correspondence between pixel value (CT value) and luminance depending on the set window level and window width. Is an image showing the image, and is displayed by switching from the map image according to an operator's instruction.

The other coordinate input operation unit 6 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), it is a two-dimensional slider as a two-dimensional coordinate input device such as a tablet. FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. The housing 31 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit 34 that displays a map image. A transparent pressure-sensitive touch panel 35 is provided on the display surface of the liquid crystal display unit 34.
Are placed. On the surface of the pressure-sensitive touch panel 35,
A transparent plate 32 such as acrylic is provided so as to be movable in two dimensions. A transparent slider button 32 such as acrylic is fixed to the center of the transparent plate 32. The operator can input arbitrary coordinates in the map image by pinching the transparent slider button 32 and moving it to an arbitrary position and pressing it.

Returning to FIG. Arbitrary coordinates in the map image input by the coordinate input operation unit 6 are C connected to the bus 1.
It is recognized by PU8. An address signal for reading is created according to the coordinates recognized by the CPU 8, and the table 7 is accessed by this address signal. In the table 7, a plurality of types of window level and window width pairs are stored at different addresses. Short-circuited, the table 7 stores a pair of window level and window width unique to each coordinate in the map image. The window level and the window width corresponding to the coordinates in the map image input by the coordinate input operation unit 6 are read by the CPU 8 by the read address signal.

The CPU 8 assigns each pixel value (CT value) of the image in the memory 2 to the display gradation of the CRT 3 according to the window level and window width read from the table 7. The image of the pixel assigned to the display gradation of the CRT 3 is displayed on the CRT 3 via the display controller 4.

A sound generation device (hereinafter simply referred to as a buzzer) 10 is connected to the bus 1 via a sound generation board 9. On the CRT 3, the slide button of the coordinate input operation unit 6
A control signal that prompts the generation of a sound is output to the sound generation board 9 when it matches the recommended value (recommended range) of any of the diagnostic parts. This causes the buzzer 19 to generate a sound, and informs the operator that the slide button matches the recommended value (recommended range) of one of the diagnostic parts. This notification function
It can be easily realized by another known method. For example, when the coordinate input operation unit 6 is the one described in FIG. 2, the CRT 3
Changes the display color of the slide button from the current display color to another red color, for example, when the slide button (image of the) of the coordinate input operation unit 6 matches the recommended value (recommended range) of one of the diagnostic parts. It is possible to make it happen.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of this embodiment. Figure 4
As shown in (a), the map image is displayed in a partial area of the CRT 3 under the control of the CRU 9. Alternatively, the map image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 34 under the control of the CRU 9 as shown in FIG. The operator operates the slider button to input arbitrary coordinates of the map image (S1). At this time, the recommended value (recommended range) of the map image is referred to. At this time, the CPU 8 outputs, to the sound generation board 9, a control signal that prompts the sound generation when the slide button of the coordinate input operation unit 6 matches the recommended value (recommended range) of any of the diagnostic parts. Buzzer 1
A sound is emitted from 9, and the operator is informed that the slide button matches the recommended value (recommended range) of any of the diagnostic parts. The operator can confirm whether or not the slider button matches the recommended value (recommended range) of the diagnostic region by the presence or absence of the notification.

The coordinates input in S1 are recognized by the CPU 8 (S2). An address signal for reading is created by the CPU 8 according to these coordinates. The table 7 is accessed by this address signal, and the window level and window width corresponding to the coordinates in the map image input by the coordinate input operation unit 6 are read by the CPU 8 (S3).
At this time, according to the operator's instruction, FIG.
As shown in (d), an image showing the correspondence relationship between the pixel value (CT value) and the brightness according to the set window level and window width is switched from the map image and displayed. Thereby, the operator can confirm the correspondence between the pixel value (CT value) and the brightness. The operator can change the window level and the window width on the image showing the correspondence as needed through an input device (not shown).

The CPU 8 assigns each pixel value (CT value) of the image in the memory 2 to the display gradation of the CRT 3 according to the window level and window width read from the table 7 (S4). The image of the pixel assigned to the display gradation of the CRT 3 is displayed by the display controller 4.
Is displayed on the CRT 3 via (S5).

If the contrast of the image is inappropriate and it is difficult to distinguish the region of interest (tumor, etc.) from the surrounding tissue, the series of processing from S1 to S5 is repeated until the contrast of the image becomes appropriate while changing the input coordinates. Be done.

As described above, in this embodiment, the operator can easily set the optimum window level and window width for the display image by receiving the guide of the map image. That is, it is possible to quickly understand how to change at least one of the window level and the window width. Further, since the changes in the window level and the window width are shown two-dimensionally, the current setting values of both are easy to intuitively understand. The window level and window width are set by operating the mouse or the two-dimensional slider with one hand. Therefore, the operator is not robbed of both hands for setting the window level and the window width, and can change two parameters of the window level and the window width simultaneously and continuously by a single operation with one hand (single action). .

The coordinate input operation unit (two-dimensional slider) 6 described above may be a one-dimensional slider in which a slide button 101 movable in one dimension as shown in FIG. 6 also serves as a rotary switch. . In this case, the slide position of the slide button 101 corresponds to one of the window level and the window width, and the rotation angle of the slide button 101 corresponds to the other of the window level and the window width. Even with such a one-dimensional slider, two parameters of the window level and the window width can be simultaneously and continuously changed by a single operation with one hand (single action).

Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the second embodiment. In addition, in FIG.
The same parts as those in FIG. The database 11 stores a plurality of images of various patients, which are imaged by a plurality of modalities.
A modality name and a patient name are attributed to each image. When the database 11 is supplied from the outside with the modality name and the patient name as search parameters, the image in which the modality name and the patient name are attributed can be specified and the image can be selectively read.

A map image different from that of the first embodiment is registered in the second memory 5. This map image is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), a plurality of image types are arranged along the first axis (vertical axis), and the alphabet indicating the initials of the patient name is on the second axis (horizontal axis) orthogonal to the first axis. It is an image arranged along. The image type means the type of modality. FIG.8 (b) has shown the same screen image as FIG.2 (b).

In the table 7, a plurality of types of image types and initial letter pairs are stored at different addresses. Short-circuited, the table 7 stores a pair of an image type and an initial letter unique to each coordinate in the map image. In response to the read address signal from the CPU 8, the image type and initials corresponding to the coordinates in the map image input by the coordinate input operation unit 6 are read by the CPU 8. In addition, it is preferable that the same image type and initial letter pair are stored in the table 7 in correspondence with all the coordinates in the minute area in the map image. In this case, the trouble of moving the slider button to the correct position is saved.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of this embodiment. CR
Under the control of U9, the map image is displayed in a partial area of CRT3. Alternatively, the map image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 34 of the coordinate input operation unit 6 under the control of the CRU 9. While referring to the image type array of the map image and the alphabetic array showing the initials of the patient's name, the operator operates the slider button to display the image type coordinates that the operator wants to read and the coordinates of the map image according to the initials of the patient. It is input (S11).

The coordinates input in S11 are recognized by the CPU 8 (S12). An address signal for reading is created by the CPU 8 according to these coordinates. The table 7 is accessed by this address signal, and the image type and the patient initial letter corresponding to the coordinates in the map image input by the coordinate input operation unit 6 are read by the CPU 8 (S13).

The CPU 8 accesses the database 11 using the image type and patient initial letter read from the table 7 as search parameters (S14). From the database 11, the image in which the modality name (image type) and the patient name are attributed is specified, and the image is selectively read. This image is displayed on the CRT 3 via the display controller 4 (S15).

When the search image is changed, the series of processes of S11 to S15 are repeated while changing the input coordinates. As described above, in this embodiment, the operator can easily and quickly set the search parameter including two types of elements (image type and patient initials) by receiving the guide of the map image. Further, since the change of each element is shown two-dimensionally, the current search parameter can be intuitively understood, and the search parameter can be changed easily. The search parameters are set by operating the mouse or the two-dimensional slider with one hand. Therefore, the operator is not bothered by the search parameter setting. Further, since the setting of the search parameters is completed by designating the coordinates of the map image, it is not necessary to type in the necessary spelling using the search language as in the conventional case, and the problem such as a typo is eliminated. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but can be implemented with various modifications.

[0030]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image display device capable of quickly setting a plurality of parameters relating to image display by a simple operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a map image and a screen image.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional slider as a coordinate input operation unit in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display state of a map image of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a modification of the two-dimensional slider.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a map image and a screen image of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... bus, 2 ... first memory, 3 ... CR
T, 4 ... Display controller, 5 ...
Second memory, 6 ... Coordinate input operation unit, 7 ... Table, 8 ... CPU, 9 ... Sound generation board,
10 ... Buzzer.

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. An image display device for signal-processing and displaying an image according to a plurality of parameters relating to image display, comprising: input means for simultaneously and continuously adjusting the plurality of parameters by a single operation; An image display device comprising: means for indicating input values of a plurality of parameters input via the means; and display means for storing a recommended value for each of the plurality of parameters and displaying the recommended value. . 2. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is a two-dimensional slider in which a slide button is two-dimensionally movable. 3. The image display device according to claim 2, wherein the display means indicates a position corresponding to the recommended value within a two-dimensional range in which the slide button moves. 4. The image display according to claim 1, wherein the display means classifies and stores a plurality of recommended values, and displays the plurality of recommended values in a display mode specific to the classification to which each belongs. apparatus. 5. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is a one-dimensional slider in which a slide button movable in one dimension also serves as a rotary switch. 6. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of parameters are a window level and a window width. 7. A button and a two-dimensional moving surface of the button are graphically displayed on a screen, and the button is movable in the two-dimensional moving surface in accordance with the movement of an input device, and the position of the button. A two-dimensional slider characterized in that it is possible to select a combination of a plurality of parameters according to. 8. The two-dimensional slider according to claim 7, further comprising a correspondence unit that associates an optimum combination of the plurality of parameters with a position in the two-dimensional movement plane. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising means for displaying related information of the optimum combination at a position in the two-dimensional movement plane corresponding to the optimum combination of the correspondence means. Dimension slider. 10. A position in the two-dimensional movement plane corresponding to the optimum combination when the button exists at the position in the two-dimensional movement plane corresponding to the optimum combination of the corresponding means and in the vicinity thereof. 9. The two-dimensional slider according to claim 8, further comprising an informing unit for informing that the button is present in the vicinity of the button. 11. The two-dimensional slider according to claim 10, wherein the notifying means notifies by optical output. 12. The two-dimensional slider according to claim 10, wherein the notifying unit makes a notification by changing at least one of a display color and a brightness of the screen. 13. The two-dimensional slider according to claim 10, wherein the notifying unit notifies by a sound output. 14. The two-dimensional slider according to claim 7, further comprising means for finely adjusting the position of the button. 15. An image display device for changing and displaying a shadow of an input image, wherein an arbitrary position on a two-dimensional plane defined by two orthogonal axes corresponding to changes in two parameters relating to shadow adjustment is designated. Specifying means for recognizing the value of each parameter according to the position specified by the specifying means, and controlling the shadow of the input image according to the value of each recognized parameter, and the two parameters An image display device comprising: a storage unit that stores a plurality of types of combinations; and a display unit that displays the value of each parameter recognized by the control unit and that displays the plurality of types of combinations. . 16. The display means is flat display means for displaying a scale of each of the two parameters, and the designating means of the flat display means for inputting an arbitrary position on a display surface of the flat display means. The image display device according to claim 15, comprising a transparent film-shaped touch sensor arranged on the front surface. 17. The image display device according to claim 16, wherein the plane display unit displays the marker image at the position designated by the designation unit. 18. The image display device according to claim 16, wherein the designation unit has a button that is movably held two-dimensionally on the front surface of the touch sensor. 19. The storage unit classifies and stores the plurality of types of combinations for each diagnostic site, and the plane display unit distributes each of the plurality of types of combinations on a screen to display a different display color for each diagnostic site. 17. The image display device according to claim 16, wherein the image is displayed as. 20. The image display device according to claim 16, wherein the plane display means displays a guide for assisting the adjustment of the parameter. 21. The image display device according to claim 15, wherein the designating unit has a unit for finely adjusting a position designated on the two-dimensional surface. 22. A storage means for storing a plurality of images and a first scale showing a change in a first search parameter required for image search are displayed along a first axis, and a second scale required for image search is displayed. First display means for displaying a second scale indicating a change in the search parameter along the second axis, designation means for designating an arbitrary position on the screen of the first display means, and the designation means. Means for recognizing the first search parameter and the second search parameter in accordance with the position designated by, and accessing the storage means with the recognized first search parameter and second search parameter; and the storage means. An image display device comprising: a second display unit for displaying an image read from the image display device. 23. The image display device according to claim 22, wherein the designation means is a transparent film-shaped touch sensor arranged on the front surface of the first display means. 24. The image display device according to claim 23, wherein the designating unit has a button that is movably held two-dimensionally on the front surface of the touch sensor. 25. The image display device according to claim 22, wherein the first display unit displays a marker image at a position designated by the designation unit. 26. The image display device according to claim 22, wherein the designation unit has a unit for finely adjusting a position designated on the two-dimensional surface. 27. When the position designated by the designating unit is a specific position, the output unit further comprises an output unit for outputting that the position input by the designating unit is the specific position. The image display device according to claim 22. 28. The image display device according to claim 27, wherein the output unit has a sound generation unit. 29. The image display device according to claim 27, wherein the output unit includes a light emitting unit. 30. The image display device according to claim 27, wherein the output means has means for changing a display mode of a part of a screen of the first display means.